Power wheel derby cars sound exciting, but when little ones with disabilities are the driving captains, it's that much more exciting.
"They provide our little ones to be independently mobile," said Brenda Del Monte the co-founder of Believe Beyond Ability.
For the 5th year, the wonderful non-profit called Believe Beyond Ability hosted a Roller Derby. But not just any derby, an adaptive derby for ones for kids with disabilities.
"It took one time when they started building the car, for her to get used to it," said Bianca Isler. "As soon as I put her back in the car she knew exactly where she was."
Bianca's daughter, sweet Sofia who is 2 years old, was born with extensive brain damage along with other medical issues. Sofia was one of the participants at the Roller Derby and Bianca can't be more thankful for her daughter's adaptable car.
"It's harder for her [Sofia] to reach her hands across and put it on something, so her head movement is the best," said Bianca.
Sofia uses her head to turn on the "go" switch on her adaptable car. "Kids innately want to move and every kid in this car has figured it out," said Melanie Conaster an occupational therapist at Believe Beyond Ability.
Melanie provides guidance to families on how to safely maneuver the cars in accordance to their child's disability.
"We customize these very specific to each kid and what motor skills they have and what I am working on as a therapist," said Melanie.
The robotics team at Seton High School helped in making the adaptable cars remote controlled.
"When she [Sofia] hits the button, the cars go, but mom and dad can steer it via remote control so they are not breaking their back trying to steer her everywhere she goes," said Melanie.
It takes a couple months to adapt a car, along with a lot of preparation.
"Last year, we had people contact us after the derby [event] saying that they want to be part of this next year," said Brenda.
Brenda also mentioned how when families with a child with a disability want to be part of the Roller Derby, her and Melanie go through a list and choose.
"We used to call it a race, but if we're being real we're going to crash into each other," said Melanie jokingly.
These wonderful adaptable cars give a chance to these kiddos to go wherever and to whoever they want in the moment. To get more information about the organization and how to donate, click here.